Kerwe Hauptstuhl

The Hauptstuhler Kerwe is the traditional Kirchweih (church consecration festival) of the Palatinate village of Hauptstuhl in the Verbandsgemeinde Landstuhl, Kaiserslautern district. From September 4th to 7th, 2026, the four-day Kerwe will be celebrated – a central event in the annual calendar of the West Palatinate community.

Hauptstuhl in the VG Landstuhl

Hauptstuhl is located in the Verbandsgemeinde Landstuhl in the Kaiserslautern district. With around 2,500 inhabitants, Hauptstuhl is one of the larger local communities in the Verbandsgemeinde and is home to active club life. Its proximity to the Sickingen town of Landstuhl and Ramstein Air Base shapes the environment without compromising Hauptstuhl's village identity.

Four-day Palatinate Kerwe

The Hauptstuhler Kerwe is celebrated over four days, from Friday to Monday. It opens with barrel tapping on Friday evening, followed by festivities on Saturday with live music or a DJ, the main Kerwe day on Sunday with a Frühschoppen, lunch, a Kerwe parade in the afternoon, and a festival evening, and a family Monday with the Kerwe burial late in the evening.

Kerweborsch and Traditions

As in every Palatinate village, the Kerweborsch – unmarried young men of the village – and the Kerweparrer (Kerwe priest) with his satirical and humorous Kerwerede (Kerwe speech) shape the festival. The Kerwestrauß (Kerwe bouquet) is erected on the opening evening and symbolically burned on Monday evening during the Kerwe burial.

Festival Grounds and Club Life

The local clubs – sports club, fire department, music club, and others – provide the festival tent, bar, and catering. Palatinate classics such as Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Bratwurst (fried sausage), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), Schwenkbraten (grilled pork neck), fries, and Schmalzgebäck (fried dough pastries) are on the menu. Draft beer and Palatinate wine accompany the festival weekend. On Sunday afternoon, the women of the parish serve coffee and cake.

Community Identity

For Hauptstuhl, the Kerwe is the social highlight of the year. Former residents return, families plan reunions, and the festival strengthens the cooperation between clubs and village life.